Senators - Chris Perkins
Chris Perkins has worked in education, finance and the environment. He is the former chair of pressure group Concern and supports a public inquiry into the proposed incinerator.
Mr Perkins doesn't think population growth is the answer to the problems caused by an ageing society.
[ Source : BBC Jersey ]
Former Concern chairman Chris Perkins is standing for Senator.
The 44-year-old finance industry worker is the seventh candidate to announce that he will stand – guaranteeing that there will be an election for the six seats on the Senatorial bench. Mr Perkins is an assistant manager at RBS Coutts Trustees, and a member of the Institute of Financial Services.
But he is better known for his work as an environment volunteer and campaigner. He was chairman of environmental pressure group Concern, obtained an MSc for research on Island lizard populations in the 1980s, was a founder member of the Agile Frog recovery group, a member of the Ramsar steering committee and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
Mr Perkins says he is against the proposed £100m incinerator at La Collette and in favour of further government reform. He said: "The current policy to grow the economy and combat our ageing society through continuous population growth is wrong. It will not solve the problem of an ageing society and the economic returns from population growth will diminish year by year, as more pressure is placed on our infrastructure and quality of life."
Mr Perkins was born in Jersey and educated at Les Quennevais and Hautlieu. The St Helier resident is married to Jill and they have three teenage children.
[ Source : This Is Jersey ]
Proposers
- Mike Stentiford
- John Mills
- Andre Ferrari
- Nigel Queree
- Sally Anne Gallichan
- Imogen Nicholls
- Audrey Le Bas
- Peter Surcouf
- Michael Wavell
- Christopher Lakeman
[ Source : Channel Online ]
Senatorial Nomination
Chris Perkins has a unique combination of talents because of his experience working in education, finance and the natural environment, according to proposer Mike Stentiford. He said that he was Jersey-born and married with three children. He said that Mr Perkins held qualifications including a BSC Hons in science and an MSC in Biology, and that in 1990 he was made a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He said that, through his work in the finance industry, Mr Perkins had managerial experience at several Island banks, including a certificate in offshore finance. Mr Stentiford also described his candidate's green credentials, including his work on the green lizard and agile frog. He said that Mr Perkins had become disenchanted at both the standard of living in Jersey and the standard of government and had decided to stand for election. He said that his honesty, integrity and passion for Jersey were unquestionable.
[ Source : This Is Jersey ]
Election Manifesto - 200 Word Version
Ministerial government has been a major disappointment. I can be part of that 'fresh-blood' of new States Members, who will listen to the people and remain true to their manifestos.
- The current policy to grow the economy and combat our ageing society through continuous population growth is wrong. There are alternatives.
- The reforms recommended by the Clothier report that remain un-adopted should be addressed urgently.
- There should be a Public Inquiry into the incinerator project.
- GST on food should be removed. We should look at the possibility of increasing GST on luxury goods.
- A capital gains tax on the sale of properties that are not the family home should be investigated.
- There should be a range of environmental taxes and incentives.
- One Minister should have responsibility for planning and environment.
- The former Pontins site at Plémont should be bought by the island.
- There must be no development within St Ouen's Bay.
- There must be places for our young people to congregate and a future for them in the island.
- Fort Regent is a superb facility. The pool could be rebuilt to Olympic standard.
[ Source : This Is Jersey ]
A video of Chris Perkins' election manifesto is available on Channel Online
Election Manifesto - BBC Version
I've campaigned for many years chiefly on environmental issues, and like most Jersey residents I've witnessed the gradual destruction of our environment and our heritage.
Ministers talk about keeping Jersey special but I've realised my view, and indeed most people's views, of what is special about our island differs from that of the ministers.
I know that as an ordinary Jersey man, with a job and a family, I can listen to and represent the people of our island and challenge some of the destructive policies that are being pursued by the present government.
For instance the current policy to grow the economy and combat our ageing society through continuous population growth is wrong. It will not solve the problem of an ageing society, indeed it will only create greater problems for the next generation to solve.
Government should address the issue through a combination of fair taxes, social security contributions and an increased retirement age.
Similarly economic growth could be maintained through the outsourcing of lower value jobs and greater productivity not through continuous population growth.
The reforms recommended by the Clothier Report have been cherry picked so that a government that was once criticised for being encumbered by the democratic process is now seen by many as an oligarchy; remote and disinterested in the views of the electorate.
The Clothier Report should be re-examined with a view to adopting many more of its recommendations. These should include, for instance, fewer States members. I would be willing to put my job on the line for the sake of democracy. Why haven't the current members done so already?
I support Constable Crowcroft's proposal to hold a public enquiry into the incinerator; it's completely unnecessary.
GST should be removed from food, as an alternative we should look at the possibility of GST on luxury goods.
A capital gains tax on the sale of properties that are not the family home would generate revenue for the island and slow the increase in house prices.
We should introduce a series of environmental taxes coupled with financial incentives to make this island a world leader in sustainability.
Sports facilities should be free to all students.
There should be more emphasis on vocational study and apprenticeships for those who do not wish to follow an academic career.
Our young people should have places where they can meet and relax, they should not become problems to be moved on.
In summary, the serving ministers should not progress automatically back into government. I can provide part of the much needed fresh blood of new States members who will listen to the people and remain true to their manifestos.
An audio version of this election manifesto is available from BBC Jersey
[ Source : BBC Jersey ]
A video of Chris Perkins' election manifesto is available on Channel Online
Election Manifesto - Extended Version
Population
The current policy to grow the economy and combat our ageing society through continuous population growth is wrong. It will not solve the problem of an ageing society, indeed it will only create greater problems for the next generation to solve. The economic returns generated by an expending population will diminish year by year, as more pressure is placed on our infrastructure and quality of life will deteriorate. The very high earning people this island wishes to attract will not come to work in a degraded environment. An ageing population should not be portrayed as a problem, it merely shows that healthcare and lifestyle is allowing us to live longer. Government should address the issue through a combination of tax, social security contributions and increased retirement age.
Economic growth can be maintained through the continuing outsourcing of lower value jobs and greater productivity. Any good business would rather create greater wealth from its existing workforce, rather than employ more staff. Jersey Ltd should follow this example.
System of Government
The reforms recommended by the Clothier report have been adopted in a piecemeal fashion, so that a government that was once criticised for being too democratic, is after the move to Ministerial government seen by many as an oligarchy, remote and uninterested in the views of the electorate. The Clothier Report said:
'The weaknesses we have found in the function and structure of the States are, in our opinion, serious. It is the weakness of a national assembly, the members of which are so divided among themselves that they have difficulty in arriving at and maintaining a decision, which permits the balance of power to pass into the hands of a very few people. This is an unhealthy development in any society, however honourable and well intentioned those few may be.'
Many would say that little has happened to alter this view. Further changes are required in our system of Government, so that the people of Jersey can again have a government that listens to them.
New Incinerator
The proposed incinerator will provide massive overcapacity at our present population level, even with the current low recycling rates. It will also be an eyesore at the gateway to St Helier. I support Constable Crowcroft's proposal to hold a Public Enquiry into the project.
Economic Development
Economic Growth should not be obtained through population growth.
GST was introduced against the wishes of the people of Jersey. It is a regressive tax that affects the poor to a greater extent than the rich. I understand the desire to broaden the tax base, so that the island is not so reliant on income tax receipts. However there are other avenues that should be explored:
- GST on food hits though less well off the most and it should be removed. To compensate for the lost revenue, we should look at the possibility of increasing GST on luxury goods, such as cars and televisions.
- House prices in Jersey have increased so rapidly in Jersey not only as a result of lack of supply due to the rapidly growing population; but also because of property speculation. A capital gains tax on the sale of properties that are not the family home would generate revenue for the island and slow the increase in house prices and property speculation becomes less attractive.
Education, Sport and Culture
We can be justifiably proud of our students' performances at GCSE, AS and A2 level. Our teachers are to be congratulated. We appear to be less successful in attracting the more vocationally minded into apprenticeships and thus providing our construction industry in particular with more local staff. More needs to be done to ensure that those young people who do not wish to move into tertiary education are provided with the guidance and the opportunity to excel in one of the many service industries in the island that would benefit from more suitably trained local staff. This could be through full time post sixteen education, or through apprenticeships.
The numerous successes of our island sportsmen and women emphasises the importance of sport to the population and the sense of community this engenders. With the London 2012 Olympics approaching, this is an opportunity to promote Jersey as a sporting training centre, not just for the Olympics, but permanently. The island is conveniently located for most European athletes and has good indoor and outdoor facilities. When the Aquasplash was built, an opportunity was missed to construct an Olympic size swimming pool. The possibility of renovating the swimming pool at Fort Regent to Olympic size should be investigated. At the same time, we must end speculation over the future of Fort Regent, it is an excellent sport and arts facility and should get the recognition and funding that it deserves.
The importance of the Arts to island life must not be forgotten. I have been involved with many stage performances over the years, both on stage and behind the scenes. The arts bring the community together and help with our sense of well being and identity. Being the third word in Education Sport and Culture, should not mean that Culture is no less important.
Planning & Environment
It is right the one Minister should have responsibility for planning and environment. The responsibility for environment should not be devolved to the Assistant Minister, as this says that the environment is a secondary matter to planning. In fact you cannot look at one without the other.
The former Pontins site at Plemont should be bought by the island, as this is what the people of Jersey want. As an alternative to levelling the site, the possibility of turning it into a youth hostel and field studies centre should be investigated.
We must reconfirm the policy of having no development within St Ouens Bay. Piecemeal development is chipping away at this policy. The Watersplash can be modernised, but it should have a footprint no larger than it currently is.
St Helier, along with the other urban parishes, is bearing the brunt the current unsustainable construction and development. The waterfront plan will provide just more bland offices and apartments. It is not of a 'Jersey style' and will provide nothing for the ordinary Jerseyman. There is nothing planned for the youth of the island who currently use the open spaces at the Waterfront. These young people, who have few places to gather, will just become a "problem" when construction begins.
Young People
There is too much talk of young people being a problem. We have in this island a tremendous amount of young talent. They constantly make us proud of their academic, sporting and artistic achievements. Our young people need to know that they are appreciated and that there is a place for them in society when they reach adulthood; that there are a wide variety of jobs and that accommodation is affordable. Sports facilities should be free to all students, there should be more emphasis on vocational study and apprenticeships for those who do not wish to pursue an academic career. Young people should be provided with places where they can meet and "chill".
Honorary System
I am an enthusiastic supporter of the honorary system. It is part of the system of voluntary service that makes Jersey unique. It is however, under pressure from people having less spare time, because of the stresses of life; and the nature of our community that means that fewer residents a long term residents and therefore put down roots and feel part of the community.
Honesty and Integrity
Ministerial government has so far proved to be a major disappointment. Ministers say much about themselves, but do little or no listening to the people who elected them. The serving ministers should not progress automatically back into government. I can provide part of that 'fresh-blood' of new States Members, who will listen to the people and remain true to their manifestos. If elected, I intend to hold regular 'surgeries' in order to listen to and gauge the views of local residents.
[ Source : Chris Perkins ]
A video of Chris Perkins' election manifesto is available on Channel Online
Biography
Age: 44
Place of birth: Jersey
Family: Married to Jill. We have three teenage children and two dogs
Education: St Peter's School, Les Quennevais, Hautlieu, University of Ulster, University of Bristol, Otley College
Occupation: Assistant manager, Trust and Fiduciary Services
Hobbies/interests: Reptiles and amphibians, the natural world, geography, learning something new every day, my family, sport, amateur dramatics
[ Source : This Is Jersey ]
Full Time Education:
St Peter's Primary School; Les Quennevais School; Hautlieu School; University of Ulster; University of Bristol; Otley College, Ipswich
Academic Qualifications:
8 x GCE 'O'-level; 2 x GCE 'A/O' level, 2 x GCE 'A' level; BSc (Hons), Environmental Science; MSc, Zoology; ANCH, Countryside Conservation Management; NEBSM,Certificate in Supervisory Management
Other Awards:
Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS)
Professional Qualifications:
Certificate in Offshore Administration; Diploma in Trust and Estate Practise (DTEP) (Institute of Financial Services)
Membership of Professional Bodies:
Member of the Institute of Financial Services
Work Experience:
RBS Coutts Trustees (Channel Islands) Limited; Assistant Trust Manager; Close Trust Company Jersey Ltd, Client Relationship Manager; Royal Bank of Canada Trust Company Jersey Limited, Assistant Manager; Jersey Financial Services Commission, Supervision Manager – Funds; IMT Fiduciary Services Limited, Senior Trust Officer; Abacus Financial Services Group, Client Services Executive
Education States of Jersey Education Committee; Primary School Teacher
Agricultural Development & Advisory Service; Field Botanist; Operation Raleigh, Project Leader; Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust, Keeper and Researcher; Fort Regent, Promotions Assistant
Memberships
Royal Geographical Society (Fellow); Fauna & Flora International; Greenpeace; JSPCA; National Trust for Jersey; La Societe Jersiaise; Jersey Amphibian & Reptile Group; Concern; Jersey Amateur Dramatic Club; Institute of Financial Services; Served on the working party that examined the relationship between the finance industry and the island community; Member of the former States of Jersey Economic Forum
[ Source : Chris Perkins ]